Second complaint filed against Gulfcoast Legal Services director

Published: Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at 2:29 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at 4:27 p.m.

SARASOTA - A second Gulfcoast Legal Services staffer has resigned and filed a complaint with the Florida Bar alleging that the nonprofit's executive director, Kathleen Mullin, practiced law without a license.

The Florida Bar confirmed Tuesday that an unlicensed practice of law complaint has been filed against Mullin — the second such complaint lodged against the director in recent months. The specific allegations were not released.

Mullin, who took over the nonprofit in December, never took the Florida Bar exam. She declined to comment for this story, stating in an email she was “not permitted to comment on ongoing bar matters, as they are confidential.” Mullin referred questions to GulfCoast's attorney, Laura Prather, who did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

The bar itself initiated an investigation against Mullin after reading a series of stories about her firing of Elizabeth Boyle, the longtime head of Gulfcoast's Sarasota office, and allegations that Mullin had made legal decisions even though she is not admitted to the Florida Bar.

Mullin's firing of Boyle, and dozens of volunteer lawyers who worked with her, has drawn criticism from Southwest Florida's legal community, county officials and the public.

The Sarasota County Commission cut off all of its funding to Gulfcoast, based in part on Mullin's actions.

Boyle said the most recent complainant — a paralegal with 40 years of experience — was authorized by the Bureau of Immigration to act on behalf of people with federal immigration issues. Boyle said the man did not want his name made public.

“This is a huge loss,” she said. “This individual is considered one of the most knowledgable immigration advocates in the state of Florida — an award winner who has a tremendous reputation. He's very serious — a hard worker — who has given himself over to this type of work.”

The paralegal represented those seeking asylum immigration court proceedings, many of whom were victims of domestic violence or human trafficking.

“A lot of people he helped were in life-or-death situations,” Boyle said.

Boyle said three additional longtime Gulfcoast staffers have quit in recent months.

“It's a sign the organization is failing,” she said. “The best-case scenario: The board of directors needs to take action. It needs to bring these individuals back into the program.”

In an email, James W. Fox Jr., president of Gulfcoast's board of directors and a professor at Stetson University College of Law, also declined to comment, stating "UPL investigations are confidential and there is nothing I can say about that."

The board's newest member, Roberta Flowers, who is also a professor at Stetson, could not be reached.

Linda Harradine, executive director of Legal Aid of Manasota — a legal services nonprofit based in Sarasota and Manatee counties not affiliated with Gulfcoast — knows the paralegal who filed the complaint against Mullin.

Harradine said his departure from the legal aid community will “create a hole” for immigration cases.

<p><em>SARASOTA</em> - A second Gulfcoast Legal Services staffer has resigned and filed a complaint with the Florida Bar alleging that the nonprofit's executive director, Kathleen Mullin, practiced law without a license. </p><p>The Florida Bar confirmed Tuesday that an unlicensed practice of law complaint has been filed against Mullin — the second such complaint lodged against the director in recent months. The specific allegations were not released.</p><p>“All complaints are confidential while they're being investigated,” said Florida Bar spokeswoman Karen Kirksey.</p><p>Mullin, who took over the nonprofit in December, never took the Florida Bar exam. She declined to comment for this story, stating in an email she was “not permitted to comment on ongoing bar matters, as they are confidential.” Mullin referred questions to GulfCoast's attorney, Laura Prather, who did not immediately return calls seeking comment. </p><p>The bar itself initiated an investigation against Mullin after reading a series of stories about her firing of Elizabeth Boyle, the longtime head of Gulfcoast's Sarasota office, and allegations that Mullin had made legal decisions even though she is not admitted to the Florida Bar.</p><p>Mullin's firing of Boyle, and dozens of volunteer lawyers who worked with her, has drawn criticism from Southwest Florida's legal community, county officials and the public.</p><p>The Sarasota County Commission cut off all of its funding to Gulfcoast, based in part on Mullin's actions. </p><p>Boyle said the most recent complainant — a paralegal with 40 years of experience — was authorized by the Bureau of Immigration to act on behalf of people with federal immigration issues. Boyle said the man did not want his name made public.</p><p>“This is a huge loss,” she said. “This individual is considered one of the most knowledgable immigration advocates in the state of Florida — an award winner who has a tremendous reputation. He's very serious — a hard worker — who has given himself over to this type of work.” </p><p>The paralegal represented those seeking asylum immigration court proceedings, many of whom were victims of domestic violence or human trafficking.</p><p>“A lot of people he helped were in life-or-death situations,” Boyle said.</p><p>Boyle said three additional longtime Gulfcoast staffers have quit in recent months. </p><p>“It's a sign the organization is failing,” she said. “The best-case scenario: The board of directors needs to take action. It needs to bring these individuals back into the program.” </p><p>In an email, James W. Fox Jr., president of Gulfcoast's board of directors and a professor at Stetson University College of Law, also declined to comment, stating "UPL investigations are confidential and there is nothing I can say about that."</p><p>The board's newest member, Roberta Flowers, who is also a professor at Stetson, could not be reached.</p><p>Linda Harradine, executive director of Legal Aid of Manasota — a legal services nonprofit based in Sarasota and Manatee counties not affiliated with Gulfcoast — knows the paralegal who filed the complaint against Mullin.</p><p>Harradine said his departure from the legal aid community will “create a hole” for immigration cases.</p><p>“He's known regionwide — statewide,” she said.</p>